#riddikulus;starter

Another day, another knut.

Most would be put off by the drudgery of clerical work but for Peter it was bliss, he left the Ministry with his head down, his shoulder's hunched and was about as close to relaxed as he could get. Turned out he had an eye for detail and was pretty good at his job, already taking on extra responsibilities that made him late sometimes.

Considering he was off tomorrow, maybe he could brave a pub trip... Just a small one, in the corner, with a butterbeer... Everyone kept telling him to get out more. With a quiet sigh, he turned on heel and made his way to The Green Dragon. Given the after work rush, the place was pretty full but he got his butterbeer, an empty booth in the corner and he did have his crossword puzzle book. So far, not so bad.

Of course, such things weren't to look and soon enough a shadow blocked out the light over his book. "O-oh... Umm, hello." he said quietly, a tinge of guilt to his voice as though it were so bad to be caught relaxing by himself.

It seemed as though the threats worked, at least to a bit of an extent, as Pansy seemed to calm down slightly. Glancing down to see if she was okay, Ivy noticed her staring down somebody at the end of the aisle. And that somebody was staring back. Rolling her eyes, Ivy scoffed, "Never seen a screaming baby before? Take a picture, it'll last longer."

Rita stopped to glance in the window at Flourish and Blott’s - making sure they hadn’t taken her book out of the main display. She smiled as she saw it, satisfied.  Armando Dippet: Master or Moron? A small, satisfied sigh escaped her. “What do you think of a sequel?” She asked the person next to her, tapping her chin. Talking to herself more than anyone, really. “No one’s come out with a good piece on Dumbledore yet. I’m sure there’s loads to be dug up on him.”

Any day not spent busy felt like a day wasted away in her book. Ever since the end of the war things had calmed down and left the former Ravenclaw in a state of wonderment and unrest. A part of her was still getting used to the idea of a calm life despite all those months that had passed ever since. Nevertheless, Selma enjoyed life to the fullest.

It was unusually sunny, the type of weather that hardly allowed for a bad mood to come to pass. Thus she'd be walking through Diagon Alley, stocking up on things and oh so very intend of making a trip to the Healer Shop. As cliche as it may have been, she was a dedicated healer through and through. Whether that meant stocking up on potion vials and other things or picking up books with new theories or knowledge, it seemed all too normal to the young woman.

In front of the shop she stopped to allow herself a moment to glance through the window at the display, spotting a few new things that left no doubt she'd be picking up. The smallest chuckle escaped as she whirled around and her eyes fell onto one of the stands outside the shop, a hand reaching almost automatically for what appeared to be the last vial of crushed gurdyroot. It was then that she noticed someone nearby. Selma couldn't help but wonder, with how close they were, if she was about to reach for the item the other was aiming for. If so, by chance the apothecary would still have some on hand but still, she was willing to give it a go.

Remus ordered a chicken sandwich and planned to take leftovers home since his break was a little on the shorter end that day. He wouldn't voice a complaint having only been at it for a few weeks. Still, there was something a little annoying about being asked to cover for someone a few hours before his shift started and being met with a minimal break in between the two before being made to work his usual position.

"That is the last time I'm volunteering to work earlier than my usual shift," Remus grumbled and sat upright on the barstool he claimed, running both hands through his hair. Of all the things he had expected to dislike about his newest job, being asked to cover in the children's room hadn't been it. Three hours of adults occasionally gawking at him and asking for drawn-out discussions about book suggestions for their two-year-old to keep him talking had proven to be more exhausting than restocking shelves and answering questions in the adult section of the library. "That, or no more sports tees to work."

Rodolphus never needed sleep. He was always awake, aware and ready for everything. Technically he lived at the Lestrange manor but was hardly ever there. He lived on the streets, in the shadows, watching. He didn't let anything get by him. He knew who everyone was, their blood status and their allegiance. His mind was full of notes combined with his intentions for each person. If anyone were to climb into Rodolphus' head they would be bombarded. Luckily for him, he could keep people out of his mind. And could get into theirs if he so chose. Being a Legilimens and Occlumens were gifts. Working in the Thought Chamber at the Ministry gave him even more insight into the mind. He loved it.

But on this evening he continued his walk shrouded in shadows. The streets weren’t very busy. People must have been scared of the cold. Rubbish. He tightened his leather coat closer to his chest, buttoning them tighter before returning his arms to his side. Nothing could keep him from patrolling the streets. There was something exciting about it. He never knew what or who he would come across.

As he was prowling, someone came into view. Rodolphus squinted his eyes to see better. A smirk came across his face and walked toward them. "What's a tasty treat like you out so late?"